Praying With Our Mother

Dear Mom and Dad,  

For the longest time, I looked at praying the Rosary as a weekly chore, especially since we used to pray it together on Sunday evenings in my little bedroom.   

I remember kneeling in front of the twin bed with my hands holding the Rosary Grandma gave me for my first Holy Communion. The beads were that clear, crystal-looking type that seemed to have a rainbow of colors that reflected off them, changing depending on the light. I remember fidgeting with them as I continuously adjusted my position from kneeling upright to resting on my ankles until you noticed, Dad. You would promptly reposition me back upright.  

I remember my fingers moving from one bead to the next and opening my eyes to silently count how many beads were left of each decade, trying to determine how much longer it would take us to finish. When we prayed, I didn't realize I was spending time praying with our Blessed Mother.  

A few months ago, I found myself sitting in front of the Mary statue in our backyard, Rosary beads in hand. On that particular day, as I was praying, I was taken back to those days of praying the Rosary with you, Dad. I was flooded with memories and found myself feeling like we were together, almost like being in two places at once. And I heard your voice as if you were right there beside me, Dad. When I opened my eyes and looked at the Mary statue before me, I felt a warmth I cannot describe.  

Carrying On a Family Rosary Tradition  

I know I need to pray the Rosary more often, help the kids learn how to pray it, and figure out a way to make it a part of our family routine, as you did for us those many years ago.    

This summer, I was encouraged when our family had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Family Prayer. Mom and Dad, you both would have absolutely loved it! One of the most beautiful areas of the museum is the end of a hall where so many rosaries, representing the 18 countries in which Holy Cross Family Ministries serves, dangle from the ceiling.   

Since that trip, I've spent more time praying the Rosary with Our Mother in front of the statue of Mary, which now sits with two Joseph's-Coat rose bushes beside her. With each visit, I feel she is encouraging me. After sharing all of this with you two, the task of teaching the kids to pray the Rosary doesn't seem as daunting, especially with your intercession.  

Maybe by the time you read this, the kids and I will have prayed a decade or two together with our Blessed Mother, Mary, in the backyard. Maybe you will hear us praying from above to the familiar rhythm of meditation. It sounds crazy when I say it out loud, but just sharing all of this with you brings me so much comfort, just as praying the Rosary with Mary now brings me comfort. Hopefully, the kids will find that same comfort one day.   

I love and miss you both. Until we meet again, God bless.   

Love, 
Jenni 

Venerable Patrick Peyton, known as "The Rosary Priest," devoted his priestly life to encouraging family prayer, especially the Rosary. This October, for the Month of the Holy Rosary, Family Rosary (an apostolate founded by Father Peyton) and Catholic Mom have teamed up for this daily series dedicated to the Rosary.